When planning a trip right now, the question is no longer just “where to go” but “what has changed in the last six months.” With new booking habits, skyrocketing destinations, and tools transforming planning, the travel landscape is changing rapidly. Here are the concrete trends influencing vacation choices at the end of summer 2026.
Culinary experiences and local immersion: the true driver of destination choice
There is a clear shift in how travelers prioritize their spending. According to a global Skift study reported by Euronews in August 2026, 71% of travelers prioritize their budget for food and culinary experiences, far ahead of outdoor adventures or cultural events.
Specifically, people no longer choose a city for its hotel or monuments, but for what they will eat and who they will share it with. A market in Lisbon, a cooking class in Oaxaca, a guest table in a village in the Peloponnese: these types of experiences weigh more heavily in the decision than a cheap flight or a highly-rated resort.
For French travelers, this translates into a growing interest in stays where discovery comes through the plate. Wine regions, cheese routes, and local food festivals are becoming compelling destination arguments in their own right. By following the news from Trips and Tips, one can regularly find ideas for trips built around this culinary logic.
Secondary destinations in Asia: an alternative to major tourist capitals
Another accelerating trend is the rise of secondary destinations, particularly in Asia. Agoda reports that searches for accommodations in second-tier Asian cities are growing faster than in major hubs. Instead of Bangkok, Bali, or Tokyo, travelers are turning to less saturated cities.
This phenomenon has very practical causes. Accommodation prices in tourist capitals have risen in recent years, and overcrowding makes some stays less enjoyable. At the same time, low-cost airlines have opened direct routes to regional airports, making these destinations accessible without additional layovers.
What this changes for organizing a trip
If considering a trip to Southeast Asia, it is worth looking beyond the classics. Chiang Rai instead of Chiang Mai, Da Nang instead of Ho Chi Minh City, Yogyakarta instead of Bali. Here, hotel nights are significantly cheaper, sites are less crowded, and there is an authenticity that major tourist spots have sometimes lost.
Feedback varies on this point depending on specific destinations, but the general trend is clear: travelers who venture off the beaten path spend less for a more satisfying stay.
AI travel planning tools: massive adoption but limited use
The Skift study cited by Euronews sheds interesting light on the use of AI in travel preparation. 62% of travelers worldwide are aware of AI-based planning tools. The figure is high, but the reality of usage is more nuanced.
Knowing a tool does not mean using it systematically. In practice, these assistants are mainly used for three things:
- Generating a rough initial itinerary based on a budget and length of stay, which is then manually adjusted
- Quickly comparing accommodation options by cross-referencing price, location, and reviews
- Translating or summarizing practical information (schedules, formalities, local transport) for countries where the language barrier complicates research
AI does not replace on-the-ground research, but it saves time in the initial scoping phase. For a trip in France or Europe, the contribution remains modest. For a stay in Vietnam or Colombia, the time savings are real.
Europe leads global tourism spending: what this implies for vacations
A recent report indicates that about a third of global travel spending has occurred in Europe. This figure, reported by Euronews in August 2026, confirms the continent’s dominant position as a leisure destination.
For those of us traveling from France, this data has a direct consequence: the pressure on prices during the European high season remains strong. The most sought-after destinations (Mediterranean coasts, capitals like Paris or Barcelona, Greek islands) are showing a constant rise in accommodation rates.
Concrete strategies in response to rising prices in Europe
Several levers actually work to manage one’s budget:
- Shifting your stay to September or October, when nightly rates drop significantly without the weather deteriorating
- Favoring Eastern European countries or the Balkans, where the exchange rate remains favorable to the euro
- Booking accommodation early (two to three months in advance) for highly sought-after destinations while keeping flexibility on activities
- Aiming for medium-sized cities rather than capitals: Porto instead of Lisbon, Seville instead of Madrid, Bologna instead of Rome
The reflex to compare only the flight price is a common mistake. On a week-long trip, it is the cost of hotel nights and dining that makes the difference, not the plane ticket.
The upcoming season confirms that the most informed travelers are those who leave with an advantage. Monitoring price trends, spotting rising destinations before they become saturated, and adapting dates to the actual demand calendar remain the three most profitable reflexes for traveling better without spending more.